Many are the environmental issues affecting the island that an organization was formed. The group, who call themselves, the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) feels that it is extremely important to increase its membership. ACCSD is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate the population about the many environmental issues affecting our community, as well as inform them of ACCSD.

Led by local business people, non-government organizations and various environmental organizations on San Pedro Town, ACCSD has been registered as a non profit organization. The group is striving to increase its membership and is accepting filled application forms from those seeking to be a part of the ACCSD.

During a meeting held on Wednesday, February 11th, at the Lions Den, the organization explained their reasons for having been formed and categorically stated that in no way were they formed in protest to the South Beach Belize development. They do, however, state that South Beach serves as an “eye opener” to the many environmental issues affecting the island. At the meeting, the organization made several presentations including the Reef Report Card submitted by Healthy Reef for Healthy People Initiative and the World Wildlife Fund conservation groups.

ACCSD will be holding meetings every Wednesday at the Lion Den and have plans of increasing its membership to 2000 strong. At the meeting, several residents expressed that the organization must start pressing on the many environmental issues before it is too late.

The main purpose of the ACCSD is to support and promote sustainable development on Ambergris Caye and its surrounding areas; development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Anyone wanting to join the organization can show up at the regular meeting and fill out an application form. Registration is free and includes a wide cross section of community activist, students, environmentalist and NGOs.